Update- This one has hit a nerve! Here are a couple of things I learned on this topic today. This policy in violation of the credit card agreement and could result in the canceling of the bars credit account. I have been advised by council that it is definitely fraudulent and have been asked to file a complaint. I love the bar and it's live music so I won't be doing that, but someone else might.
The Davidson's have always run a "straight house," so Boisee doesn't think this “surcharge†will be around long!!!! Especially after the Costa Rica branch of the family has their say.
Above the upstairs bar is a sign the management of Tom Graineys should read-it says . . Do Right and Fear Not
Here are the comments from today. . .
1. Yeah for anyone who has never done the math, the markup on booze in bars is pretty intense. I see your point. Go ahead and charge extra for the credit cards due to the fact that it costs extra, but make sure you inform your costumers. Otherwise its just stealing. I hate credit card transactions for that exact reason. Everytime I start a tab at a bar, something goes wrong and I feel like I spent twice as much as I would have with cash. The math never adds up so I just dont do it anymore. Comment by nathan jay — February 27, 2007 @ 2:13 pm 2. I have had that same problem with my card there, and jt toads, but I guess those are the same place, I am not sure. I just started carrying cash when I go out, and paying for each individual drink, that way I don’t spend to much, and I also know exactly how much I have to pay for each drink. Comment by Dr. Dave — February 27, 2007 @ 3:39 pm 3. Thanks for educating your public - we appreciate you! Comment by Lucy — February 27, 2007 @ 7:03 pm
The credit card companies do charge a fee (1.29% for most transactions) to the merchant for processing . So go ahead and charge your customers to use a card. Just tell them you are going to do it. However with a bottle of scotch costing a bit over $20.00 wholesale and you get somewhere around 18 shots out of the bottle. You would think Tom Graineys could find a extra 6% out of the the roughly $79.00 gross profit made from just one bottle.
At no time as I ordered drinks on my card was I told of this “tax.†When I bought a drink for a friend with cash, that is right no tax. No sign on the back bar or on the door. Fraud may be to strong, but something smells here.
Call it a credit card surcharge, or a manditory gratuity. Don't think the state is getting the money so it is not a tax. We all pay plenty of exise tax on liquor as it is. Mobray III-Don’t lie to your customers. Even the drunk ones will figure it out sooner or later.
If things are that tight-raise the price for all your customers, charge a cover, or tell them there is a fee to use a credit card.